davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1887-06-20
THE PENSEYRES MURDER.
The Story Told by the Son of the Woman Who
Was Sentenced to Imprisonment for Life.

Special to the Indianapolis Journal.
EUFFALo, n. Y, June I9.--Frans Roe whose
testimony against his mother, Mrs. Penseyres,
was the means of sentencing her to lifo i'm pris-
onment, seen to-day and asked for a clearer
statement of the occurrences on the night of the
murder than was brought out By the testimony
in court. Roe perfectly self-possessed. and
spoke freely about the case. He explains the
fact that after hearing the shot he still remained
in bed, by saying that his mothers appearance
at his bed side was that of raving maniac. She
was raving crazy. and he feared to stir lest she
should turn the pistol on him. He said his moth
quarreling with Penseyres all the
evening previous to the killing Penseyres
said little, but Mrs. Penseyers was in fury, and
threatened a number of times to kill him. Roe
had heard her make this threat SO often that he
paid attention to it, and dropped asleep
Then he heard the shot, and, watching his OPP
portunity, he slipped out of the house and noti-
fed the police. Roe is confident that his mother
clearly insane on that night. and had been
insane at different periods previously. He said
that if he could have found Jacob Mearhach,
Mrs. Penseyerss third husband. he would have
been able to prove her insanity. AS it was
that account that Mearbach forsook her. He
told Roe, at different times, that he loved his
wife, but that she was crazy and made his life
burdensome. Roe hopes to be able to prove his
mother insane. and have her removed to
asylum DR.. Briggs will make examination
to morrow with that action in view.
The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1887-06-20
THE NEW CIVIL SERVICE RULES.
First Examination Under the Scheme t
Oust Old Union Soldiers.

First Examination Under the Scheme to
Gust Old Union Soldiers.
WASHINGTON, June l8-The first civil service
examination under the new rules of promotion
recently adopted and approved by the President
was held at the rooms of the Civil-service Com
mission to-day. 1t was an examination of clerks
of the Quartermaster generals Office, those of
the second class being examined for promotion
to the third class and those of the third class
for promotion to the fourth class. Thirty eight
clerks presented themselves for examination,
aud they we're placed desks, reminding a
SPECTATOR of school-room.
The examination was divided under six heads
called subjects The first subject consisted of
the correction of paragraphs prepared for the
these paragraphs correcting the orthography,
the punctuation and any misuse of capital let
ters. The second subject was arithmetic. en-
bracing five simple examples In figures. The
third subject was the proper construction of
tences. The candidate given five ungram
was to correct
The fourth subject letter writing. each
candidate being required to write a letter to the
head of the department., the matter or it being
briefly outlined.
The fifth subject comprised Ave practical
questions relating to the internal management
of the division of the bureau with which the
candidates respectively attached. These
questions the candidate was required to answer
in writing.
The sixth subject entitled Efficiency
A, and with this the Civil-seryee Commission
have practically nothing to do. 1t is left for the
chief clerk of the bureau to which tho candidate
is attached to rate the efficiency of the clerk.
Efficiency covers industry, accuracy, punetuali-
ty. diligence ETC., and the chief clerk, who -
The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1887-06-20

IN the society papers of the intention of the
queen to bestow in charity immense dona-
tion variously stated from ESQ. 900 to Ell 000,
0OU, to be distributed among the different hos
pitals, but similar statements areSnot contained
IN the court circular
The leading European newspapers contain
tieles reviewing Victorias reign The German
papers are especially warm in their comments,
The warm traditional friendship between the two
courts and sympathy awakened in Germany by
the Queens sincere affection for the Prince Con-
sort naturally bringing the festival closer the
hearts of Germans than to others.
The joint iu bilee gift to the Queen from all her
children and grandchildren will be gold and
silver er-piece for table, adorned with
precious stones. II executed in Ber-
lin. 1t comprises three parts, resting
a common base in the center of
which the British arms bearing the legend,
Her Children and Grandchildren to Our Be-
loved Mother and Grandmother" The middle
portion consists of a vase adorned with the arms
and portraits of the donors. 1t has a solid gold
lid, surmounted by the royal crown. To the
right and left respectively are a lion and uni
corn.
The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1887-06-20
THE GOOD WHITNEY.
He Suffers from the Communicating Infiu-
ence of Old Navy-Yard Employees.

He Suffers from the Communicating Infu-
of Old Navy Yard Employees.
Special to the INDIANAPOLIS Journal.
WASHINGTON, June 19.-Recently prominent
citizen of New Jersey had occasion to write to
the Secretary of the Navy in behalf OF friend
who had received notification OF his dismissal
from the department The reply to the letter
would appear to clearly define the construction
given by the administration to the civilservice
laws. The letter in its full text-leaving out
the name of the unfortunate employees as fol-
lows:
Dear Sir-I have your letter of May,
inclosing one from Mr.. -, relating to his dis
charge from - navy yard In the case of Mr..
- it is only necessary to say that in the reduc-
ton of force and consideration OF
the work, the position was considered
unnecessary. No person has been appointed in
his place. should however, not be entirely
frank with you if did not add that there were
other considerations influencing me in general to
make changes in the navy-yard which might
possibly have covered Mr.. IS case. have had
now two years experience with the navy-yards,
and long ago concluded that the interests of
the government would be subserved by an entire
change throughout 1t is necessary to have
atmosphere in sympathy with more business
like and cleaner order of things, and the in
sidious influence of persons who have been long
in the yard creates an unfriendly atmosphere in
which nothing good is likely to live.
Yours very respectfully. w. C. WHITNEY,"
The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1887-06-20

The Brilliant Pageant To Be Presented To-
Morrow-Her Majesty's Anxiety
LONDON, juno 18-The Queens jubilee will
practically begin on Monday, though the impos-
ing ceremonies will take place until Tues
day. The scene along the route of the state
procession to Westminster Abbey will present
pageant SURPRISING in brilliancy and magnif-
cence anything that has been seen in London
within the period of her Majesty's reign, while
the spectacle within the abbey will be quite as
magnificent as that of her coronation, and the
reception in the afternoon at Buckingham Pal
ace will be unprecedented in grandeur. The
Queen is reported to be very nervous the
time approaches, and to betray great anxiety to
get to the end of the ceremonies and take
herself out of London. She is constantly
haunted by fears that dynamite outrages will
be attempted on some part OF the procession
that other catastrophe involving loss of
life to spectators or participants will occur to
mar the festivities and mark the occasion for
ever after as one to be forgotten rather than
cherished in memory. The abbey will be
searched In every nook, corner and vault on the
morning or the ceremony, and all workmen en-
ployed about the edifice whose presence will be
required there on that day must be guaranteed
as personally known to their spective foremeu,
who will be held responsible for their acts, be-
fore they will be admitted. Official requests
have been addressed through the press TO all
persons attending the ceremonies to refrain
from giving way to panic in case alarm should
arise, and assuring them that the police and
military arrangements are ample for the protec-
ton of all persons needing the injunctions
given. The police have absolutely no informa-
ton that any body Ia conspiring to commit out
RACES. but have multiplied their precautions to
satisfy public clamor and TO emphasize the com
pleteness of their methods of insuring public
safety
The dress which the Queen will wear at the
abbey is composed of black striped gauze and
silk and sprinkled with silver flowers. Her
Haiesty's costume will owe its regal aspect to
her coronet bonnet, which is made of lace
crusted with diamond-dust and clusters of dia-
monds, and covered with orders blazing with
jewels.
Ex-Empress Eugene will view the ceremony
from a corner in the abbey, where she will be
screened from public gaze, hut able TO
grouped around ths Queen of Great Britain and
Empress of India thirtytwo members of
English blood royal, with sixteen kings, queens
and next heirs TO thrones. Reports are printed
The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1887-06-20
Stage Robbery Near ST. Louis.

BALDWIN, Mo-, June 19-The Baldwin and
Manchester stage. which runs from here to Bar
retts, the Missouri Pacific, twice day. was
stopped this afternoon, about o'clock, when
turning, about mile from Barretts, by three
masked men, The concealed in the
thick underbrush which skirts the road on both
sides near what is known Sugar Creek bridge,
and as the stage, with its fifteen passengers ap-
preached, the robbers advanced with drawn re-
vovers aud ordered Mr.. Bennett. the driver, to
stop and the passengers to fall in line. There is
some dispute as To the number OF men actually
engaged In the robbery, some of the passengers
claiming tn at there were six more with drawn
revolvers concealed in the underbrush in case
any resistance should be offered. The masks
worn were made of red handkerchefs with noles
cut into them, man had the sleeve of
dershirt drawn over his head as the only cover
ing Considering the amount of money and val
uabes. the robbers made poor naui, securing
only abont $3.50 out of an estimated s., 800 in
money and valuables in possession of the pas
sencers
The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1887-06-20
THE WHEN
WEATHER AND CROPS.
The Signal Service Shows that the Past Week
Was Generally Favorable for Crops

WAsHINGToN, June 19-The Signal Service
weather crop bulletin for the past week reports
that during the week the weather has been
warmer than the average except at stations
the Atlantic and Gulf coasts, in the west Gulf
States and the Pacific coast north of San
Francisco In the wheat and regions of
the North the excess of temperature for the
week has been from % TO 20 degrees and the
average daily excess above the normal range
from 4 to 10 degrees. The greatest excess
of temperature occurred in the North
west, and the weather conditions of
the week reported especially favorable
for and wheat. except in sections of Illinois,
Iowa and eastern Missouri, where all crops, ex-
cept corn, have been more or less injured by
drought In the cotton regions the temperature
has differed but slightly from the normal, ex
cept in Arkansas and Texas where the daily
average has been from two to three degrees
cooler than usual. In the tobacco region west
of the Alleghenies the daily excess of tenn pera-
ture ranges from three to four degrees, WHILE
to the eastward 1t has differed but slightly from
the normal for the week. The temperature for
the season, from Jan. l to June H. 1897, in the
cotton and corn regions, has been in excess, the
daily average ranging from one to two degrees
while on the south Atlantic and north Pacific
coasts. and in northern California, the temper
ature for the season has been slightly below the
normal.
During the week there has been q deficiency
of rainfall generally throughout the agricultural
regions east or the Rocky mountains, except In
sections OF Michigan, Wisconsin, Minnesota,
Nebraska and Kansas, where slight excesses are
reported. The greatest deficiency of rainfall
occurred in the Southern States, the lower Ohio
and the central Mississippi valleys This def
cheney In the cotton region has probably not, as
yet, affected that crop unfavorabiy, owing to the
numerous and wel-distributed showers of the
previous week, but reports generally show that
more rain is needed in that section. Slight def
ciencies of rainfall also reported in
New England, but generally throughout
the Northern States numerous and we'll distrib-
Ised showe.s have occurred. except in Illinois,
where rain is much needed The large seasonal
deficiency of rainfall in the Southern States has
been increased during the week, and now ranges
from 10 to 16 inches in the cotton region. The
seasonal deficiency in Iowa. Illinois and southern
Missouri exceeds 8 inches, while excess of
inches is reported from the north Pacific coast
and the upper Ohio valley The week has been
generally favorable for the staple crops. There
has been more than the average amount of sun
shine in the central valleys. and the weather has
been especially favorable for harvesting, which
has been largely completed for wheat and haydn
the Southern States, and now extends to the
forty second parallel in many sectious of the
wheat REGION.
The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1887-06-20
MINOR MATTERS.

Speculation to Who VIII Paint the Por.
traits To Be Paid for by MIR. Childs.
Special to the indianapolis Journal
WASHINGTON, June 19-SInce Mr. George W.
Childs made his very liberal offer to place in
Grant Hall, at West Point, the portraits Of
Generals Sherman and Sheridan, and author
lied those gentlemen to select their own artists,
there has been a good deal OF speculation in art
circles here as to who would probably be the
lucky to secure the contract. There
many artists of prominence in Washington that
it is rather difficult to predict where the contract
will go. If the tone of the majority is any in
dication, however, 1t would appear that Prof. E.
+. Andrews would be called upon to execute at
least one of the portraits Prot. Andrewss life
sized portraits of Martha Washington, Jefferson,
jackson. Taylor Buchanan, Garfield and others
now adorn the corridors of the Executive Man
sion,
The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1887-06-20
Resolutions of Huff Post.

LAwRENcEBURG. Ind, June 18.-The follow
ing resolutions were adopted unanimously by
full meeting of Huff Post. Friday night, June IL:
Whereas. Under the direction of the President Of
the United States order has recently been issued
directing the return of flags in the possession of the
War Department to the volunteer forces of your
State. to whom they belong" and
Whereas That order studiously avoided stating the
truth that these flags the Nation trophies of the
valor of her defenders but particularly assumed that
the volunteer forces" from whom they were capt
ured, still in existence and the rightful
owners of the flags, and,
Whereas. The President bases order resembling
that order solely the ground that he has power
in law to the flags from the Nation and fairly
raises the inference that he would them If he
had the power: therefore.
Resolved, That solemny protest against any
attempt hereafter to despoil the archives of tho
Nation of her most sacred trophies of the services of
her defenders, living and dead.
Resolved, That if the men from whom these flags
captured in blood, now loyal to this Nation
they want the trophies of the valor of the defenders
of the Nation kept in the archives of the Nation
testimony forever to the courage in war upon which,
last all nations must depend for security and
petuity and if they loyal to the UNION it is
act of disloyalty to return them the flags
Resolved. That solemnly protest against any
act executive legislative. which, in any way
comedies that the bloody attempt to destroy
this Nation right and appeal to the people to
that all trophies and emblems of the efforts to
preserve the Nation are kept regiously sacred
The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1887-06-20
A RIiser's Fortune.

CINoINNATI June 1S.-Some months ago James
humphreys, mysterious hermit and mlser.
died alone In a squalid room in tent house. He
was supposed to be rich, but only $40 was found.
To-day his wife arrived from San Francisco.
She was almost destitute and was surprised to
learn that her husband had left no property.
She recollec ted that ne had loaned some money
on mortgage. and examination of the records
showed he had loaned several thousands on East
end property in 1874, which unpaid, and
will be recovered for her. She is now searching
the banks for large block of government bonds
which she says he held. and which she expects
to find
Humphreys, it is now developed is of rich
Eastern family, and. while demsnted, deserted
his wife and family early in the 70s and came
here, refusing To return, and lived here in utter
loneliness and abisct misery, though possessing
abundant means.
The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1887-06-20
Suicide at Niagara Falls.

Special TO the Indianapois Journal.
NIAGARA FALLS, n. y, June l9-Aoout 4:30
o'clock this afternoon party OF visitors who
were viewing the scenery from the Three Sisters
islands observed middle-aged man, apparently
bent on sightseeing like themselves. standing
on the third bridge that connects the islands.
Looking back few minutes later the man
seen to have his coat and hat off, and was in the
act of leaping from the bridge into the water.
The party were at too great distance to do aught
but stand and witness the fatal leap. The body
sank at once, and passed the horse
shoe fall Fastening back to the bridge,
the party found the coat and hat, and the
bridge railing chalk mark, evidently
placed there by the suicide to mark the spot
where he made the leap. From papers in the
pocket of the coat it WAS learned that the man
f. Trigg, of Washington. ID. c., a guest of
the International Hotel for the past few days.
Tue hotel ikeeper knows nothing about the man,
except that he had come there few days ago,
and registered as stated. The body will prob
ably not be found before it reaches Lewiston,
eight miles down the river. which will not De be-
fore two three days have elapsed.
The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1887-06-20
Condition of the Crops.

CHICAGO, June 19-Tho following is the
weekly crop summary printed by the Farmers
Review: At this date of writing the winter wheat
crop in all sections has nearly reached a state
of maturity that reports show change in its
condition, and none will take place unless hail,
insects or rust should damage the ripening grain
Eight winter wheat growing States report
average condition of the crop at so per cent Our
reports on its condition in the different States
as follows Twenty counties in Illinois report
an average condition of 50 per cent. insects and
drought are little complained of. Eight counties
in Indiana report the condition at 9l per cent
Kansas reports no improvement in the
crop; damage by insects is very
serious in Marshall, Smith, Franklin
and Neosho counties. Kentucky reports
average condition of 90 per cent. with damage
by insects in Hardin county. Michigan reports
average condition of 90 per cent. Missouri
counties report the average condition at 100 per
cent Ten counties in Ohio report a condition of
68 per cent Seven counties in W Wisconsin place the
average at 93 per cent, with damage by chinch
bugs in Portage county.
The condition of spring wheat in the different
States is as follows: Wisconsin counties report
an average condition of 60 per cent; seventeen
counties in Iowa place the average at 81 per
cent; eleven Minnesota counties report an
average of 81 per cent; nine Nebraska counties
place the average at 90 per cent, and six coun-
ties in Dakota report average of 90 per cent.
The condition of the oats crop, from drought
and intects. is everywhere below average. Corn
prospects are first-class. Hay and grass are
short from drought. Fruit prospects are fair.
The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1887-06-20
Serious Charge Against q Minister.
naaiaI In the IndianannIia Inurnal


SHELBYvILLE. June 19-Charles Colee, a.
young about twentyseven years of age,
arrested last night, about o'clock, for set
ting fire to the Bethel Baptist Church, in Noble
township this county. He was caught about
fifty yards from the burning building by Will
lam Reed. The building. which is worth So, 600,
WAS totally destroyed, including contents.
Colee was taken before Squire Thomp-
soE, at Waldron, and bound to
court in the of ST.. 900. which,
falling to give he was brought to jail here. The
journal correspondent interviewed Coee in Jail
this evening He acknowledges he burned the
church, and says he hired to do it by the
pastor. Rev. William Snapp, who offered to pay
him $50 when the deed done. Snapp some
months ago became involved IN a scandal with o
young lady who was member of his flock,
which resulted in several church trials being
had and division among the members. An
affidavit has been filed before Squire Thomp
in at The affair has created profound
sensation in that locality.
The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1887-06-20
FOREIGN MISCELLANY.
The Princely Income Which Lord P0rtches
ter Will Soon Enjoy.

The Princely Income Which Lord P0rtches-
ter Will Soon Enjoy.
London Special
Lord Portchester the Earl OF Carnarvon's
eldest son, who recently in the United
States, comes of age the week after next,
aud there are to be great rejoicings at Bretby
and HiGhclere. Lord Portchester comes into
the splendid property which was left by the
seventh Earl of Chesterfield 60 his sister, the
late Lady Carnarvon, for life, with the remain
der to her children in strict entail The prop
erty has greatly increased in value, and
brings in over 5000. 900 year. while during
Lord Portchesters minority the trustees have
been enabled to get together good round sum
of ready money.
Bretby House. near Burton Trent, ia a
comparatively modern residence, but the late
Lady Chesterfield spent largo sum in deco
rating and improving the interior. and it is one
OF the most comfortable houses in the country
Lord Portchester will be very rich, for. besides
his own splendid fortune, he is heir to his
fathers large entaiied estates, which produce at
least $500 900 a year Altogether the future
Earl Carnarvon will have nearly $780, per
The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1887-06-20
Manitoba's Threat.

WINNIPEG, Manitoba, June I9.-The Free
Press has infammatory article on the dis
allowance question, to-day, sayings I'VE must
be treated freemen. the time has come not
to whisper but to thunder a terrible warning at
the deaf ears at Ottawa. Our minds are made
up. If the moment should come when the Otta-
wa government lays a rough hand upon the rail-
way which propose TO build with our own
money TO the boundary. it will be- moment to
rue. Manitoba has long been muttering 1t
now behooveS her to assall the ears OF Ottawa
with unmistakable words. If are interfered
with now. there will be trouble such as Canada
never saw in the lurid moments of past convul-
There will be rebellion sueh the
sleepy gods of Ottawa never dreamed off,